Sanctuary of San Besso, Mountain shrine in Valprato Soana, Italy

The Sanctuary of San Besso is a shrine built high in the mountains, nestled against a steep rock wall in the Gran Paradiso area at over 2,000 meters elevation. The structure combines multiple chapels and reflects a building history that spans several centuries.

The original site emerged in the middle of the 16th century as two separate chapels that were later combined into a single structure. This merger marked the beginning of a longer period of development and transformation at this mountain location.

The cult of San Besso has for centuries linked the people of the Soana and Cogne valleys, as anthropologist Robert Hertz noted, and remains part of their identity. The sanctuary is a pilgrimage site for both valleys, and the alpine refuge Bausano in its rooms now serves hikers.

The ascent requires about two hours of walking from a lower starting point that has adequate parking. Visitors should prepare for mountain conditions, as the route is demanding and requires sturdy footwear.

The 2020 restoration by Patrizia Gilli removed later paint layers and revealed Christian symbols and portraits of bishops on the arches and vault, probably from the early 1800s. Work stopped when the budget ran out, so part of the decoration is still visible.